Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
The North Course at Oakland Hills embodies Donald Ross’s naturalistic design ethos on land he famously called 'intended for golf,' blending historic charm with private club exclusivity. Though overshadowed by its sibling South Course, North provides an authentic, walkable, and memorable round for those privileged to tee it up here.
The North Course is a Donald Ross original routed across property he deemed perfect for golf, weaving effortlessly through gentle Michigan terrain with strategic, canted greens and tree-lined corridors. Major renovations by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1969 and later by Shawn Smith, Arthur Hills, and Steve Forrest have subtly modernized bunkering and playing surfaces while honoring Ross’s intent. The course’s enduring character stems from Ross’s talent for using natural features to provide challenge and variety—rewarding placement off the tee, demanding approach shots, and emphasizing short game creativity around subtly rolling greens. Though less celebrated than its illustrious sibling, the North remains a model of classic parkland craftsmanship.
Ross described the property as 'so well-suited for a golf course'; his influence remains strong despite renovation layers.
A standout early par 3, 'The Knoll' is perched above its surrounds and set against a backdrop of mature Michigan hardwoods. Subtle wind and tricky bunkers guard a canted Ross green, demanding precision over brute force.
Club selection is critical; missing left brings deep sand into play while the right leaves a dicey chip from thick rough.
Long or short finds deep bunkers, while over the green leaves a lightning-fast recovery back toward the surface.
Fast greens, tightly mown fairways, and top-tier maintenance typical of elite Midwest private clubs.
Efficient member pace—expect a brisk round, generally under 4 hours, especially in member groups.
Traditional, understated club luxury with a warm member culture; steeped in Michigan golf tradition.
Strict: collared shirts required, no denim, traditional club attire in force.
Practice distance control—Ross greens here often mean lengthy, breaking putts away from the pin.
Plan tee shots and approaches—local knowledge and careful angles pay big dividends.
Fast surfaces mean chipping and pitching touch matters; spend extra time on the short-game area.
Club founded at Detroit Athletic Club
Clubhouse construction begins under C. Howard Crane
North Course built under Donald Ross/Walter B. Hatch
North Course opens
North Course operated as public
Renovation by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Update by Arthur Hills, Steve Forrest, Shawn Smith
Donald Ross famously said of Oakland Hills’ land, 'The Lord intended this for a golf course,' capturing the divine fit and timeless design character of the North Course. That sense of destiny lingers in every undulation and tree-framed fairway.
For over thirty years, the North Course operated as a public course—an unusual chapter for a club now defined by exclusivity. Generations of Michigan golfers got a rare Ross experience before the club shifted to a wholly private operation in 1967.
While the world focuses on major championships at the South, members cherish the North for its classic Ross lines and comfortable camaraderie—a subtle gem that quietly anchors club life just steps from one of golf’s great shrines.
Modern players tread on turf shaped by Donald Ross, refined by Robert Trent Jones Sr., and updated by a trio of contemporary architects—each renovation adding a layer while preserving a classic soul.
Donald Ross personally praised the North Course land as ideal for golf.
The North Course was open to the public for over 30 years—rare for a top private club.
Clubhouse designed by C. Howard Crane, Detroit’s iconic theater architect.
Oakland Hills' North and South Courses share the same legendary grounds.
The club’s 140 charter members each paid $250 to join in 1916.
Top public option with a modern design and prestige feel
Spectacular Lake Michigan vistas and world-class links-inspired layout
Destination-worthy inland links with elite architecture
Solid, affordable daily-fee option with tournament history
Historic Donald Ross twin courses just a short drive away
Stay in Birmingham or Bloomfield Hills for easy access to both the club and greater Detroit’s best restaurants and accommodations.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Canterbury Golf Club is a natural next stop after Oakland Hills Country Club (North Course): it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Wild Horse Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Oakland Hills Country Club (North Course).
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Kittansett Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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